Tender Braised Beef Short Ribs Recipe
Introduction
Braised beef short ribs are a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a hearty meal. Slow-cooked until tender, the meat melts in your mouth and pairs beautifully with rich, savory broth.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef short ribs
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef short ribs with salt and pepper, then brown them on all sides until a deep golden crust forms, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Return the ribs to the pot and pour in the beef broth to cover the ribs halfway.
- Step 3: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the ribs braise slowly for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is very tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
- Step 4: Once cooked, remove the ribs from the pot. If desired, simmer the braising liquid to thicken it slightly for a rich sauce to serve alongside.
Tips & Variations
- For added depth, deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine before adding the beef broth.
- Try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the braising liquid for extra aroma.
- If you prefer, exchange onions for shallots or add carrots for a sweeter flavor.
Storage
Store leftover braised short ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven to avoid drying out the meat. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a slow cooker for braising the short ribs?
Yes, after browning the ribs and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender.
Do I need to trim the fat from the short ribs?
A little fat helps keep the meat moist during braising, but you can trim excess fat if you prefer a leaner dish. Just avoid removing it all for the best flavor.
PrintTender Braised Beef Short Ribs Recipe
This classic Braised Beef Short Ribs recipe features tender, flavorful ribs slow-cooked to perfection in a rich beef broth with aromatic onions and garlic. The ribs are first browned to develop deep flavor and then braised slowly until they are fall-off-the-bone tender, making for a comforting and hearty meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meat
- 3 pounds beef short ribs
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 2 cups beef broth
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for browning)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ribs: Pat the beef short ribs dry using paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season them generously on all sides with salt and black pepper.
- Brown the Ribs: Heat the vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the short ribs in batches without overcrowding and brown them on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the browned ribs and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until softened and fragrant but not burnt.
- Deglaze and Add Broth: Pour in the beef broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the liquid to a simmer.
- Braise the Ribs: Return the browned short ribs to the pot, arranging them so they are partially submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the ribs braise slowly for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
- Finish and Serve: Once tender, remove the ribs from the pot. You can skim excess fat from the surface of the braising liquid and reduce the sauce if desired. Serve the ribs hot with the sauce spooned over top.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, marinate the ribs overnight with salt, pepper, and herbs before cooking.
- Red wine can be added along with beef broth for a richer braising liquid.
- The braising time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the ribs.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, polenta, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Keywords: braised beef short ribs, slow cooked beef ribs, tender beef ribs, comfort food, hearty dinner
